25 May 2013

In the Spotlight: Verbena (annual)

Did you know there are about 250 different species of Verbena? There's the annual verbena, the trailing variety being the one I am spotlighting here, and the perennial (both herbaceous and the semi-woody). Most of which are native to North America and/or Europe.

Common name: verbena, herb of the cross, holywort, vervainAnnual verbenas are available in a multitude of colours from rich burgundy, to lavenders, to bright pink, to white.

Verbenas require a full sun location, a minimum of six hours of direct sunlight, to flower at their best. Fewer than that and verbena will have few to no flowers and that would be a shame because if you've ever seen them enmasse in a planter, they can be spectacular!

Be sure to use well-drained soil. A heavy clay soil can be amended with compost to assist in drainage, should you desire to plant directly in your garden beds. Otherwise, select a good potting soil blend, water once a week, more if necessary, and fertilize with a 20-20-20 blend fertilizer once a month. Place your pot in full sun, combined with other annuals of your choice or all on its own, and enjoy!